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FIRST SECOND

FIRST

AGE 10-12 FIRST PLACE:

ZEEV MAINE

SECOND PLACE:

TALYA BERNHARDT

SECOND AGES 7-9 FIRST PLACE:

ANNE GARDIN

SECOND PLACE:

NOAH GITLIN

UNDER 6

FIRST PLACE: HALEY HAMBURGER SECOND PLACE: MAX FRIEDMAN

FIRST

SECOND

BUSINESS

Oakland County Provides Grants to Restaurants As pause continues, restaurants are given a lifeline — or ‘Band-Aid.’

SYNDI PILAR

ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amulti-million-dollar economic program announced earlier this month will provide immediate, quick relief for some members of Oakland County’s restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Oakland Together Restaurant Rescue Program will distribute $10 million in grant money to 1,000 restaurants and bars. The money can be used for operations, including payroll costs; weatherization and equipment for outdoor dining; and personal protective equipment and supplies to reopen safely inside. The program’s funding includes $7 million from the federal CARES Act allocation to Oakland County in the spring and $3 million from the county’s general fund.

Restaurants and bars came under greater scrutiny after a fall surge in COVID cases. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services restrictions were issued Nov. 15 to slow the spread of infection. They include imitations on indoor gatherings, including dining, and only outside dining, carryout and delivery service are permitted.

Restaurants eligible for the program submitted applications under one of Oakland County’s previously sponsored COVID-19 grant programs. These businesses will receive checks in the mail; they won’t have to formally apply for the new money. Funds must be spent by Dec. 30 on expenses incurred since March 1.

Members of the local restaurant community shared their views about the Oakland Together Restaurant Rescue Program.

Heirloom Hospitality Group has one Oakland County property — Townhouse Birmingham. President Jeremy Sasson figures each entity will receive $7,000, based on the forecasted number of participants.

“I’m grateful and thankful for any funds because we need help to survive,” Sasson said. “It’s an amazing gesture, but it’s only a Band-Aid, or like getting one blood transfusion. The subsidy might be enough to cover, maybe, one night of business. It doesn’t solve our problems when it comes to operating costs. We’ll use the money to pay bills and our employees.”

Estimating 15,000 local businesses benefited from federal grants distributed in May and June under the CARES Act, Sasson said: “The second wave of support, if it comes, should keep some restaurants in business.”

Bill Roberts, proprietor of Roberts Restaurant Group headquartered in Beverly Hills, said, “It is terrific that (County Executive) Dave Coulter and Oakland County are doing whatever they can to save our industry.” His five restaurants are located in Oakland County.

“All restaurateurs are struggling Local Love Restaurant owners, servers, chefs, cooks, bartenders and other staff are struggling to survive until Michigan’s COVID-19 safety restriction on congregating within restaurants and bars is lifted.

These local businesses and workers have a friend in Marc Israel, owner of Great Lakes Hotel Supply in Southfield. His goal is to distribute at least $500,000 to the restaurant community through donations to Local Love, his GoFundMe fundraiser with the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association.

“These folks are really in need, and it’s vital that we help them,” said Israel. His company is a food service equipment dealer that has worked with thousands of Detroit area restaurants.

Running through March 1, 100 percent of the funds raised will go to those in need, minus processing and administrative fees not to exceed 10 percent of donations.

Businesses applying for help must be registered in the state of Michigan. Owners must register themselves and their employees for approval. All money raised will be distributed to the owners and their employees, based on the total amount of donations received. The first checks should arrive before Christmas, and then be distributed monthly. To enroll or donate to the Local Love fund, visit www.glhsco. com/locallove/. – Esther Allweiss Ingber

with negative cash flow since we have had no indoor dining for three weeks and counting,” he said. “We were very fortunate to have received grant money in the fall from the county. Any monies that we receive now will help us with our payroll costs and will be greatly appreciated.”